Sony Introduces Second Generation of ZV-1 Camera with ZV-1 II

Sony has announced the release of the ZV-1 II, the next generation of its popular ZV series vlog cameras. This new model includes highly sought-after features and enhancements, offering vloggers and content creators an improved tool for engaging storytelling and capturing high-quality images.

The ZV-1 II boasts a wider angle compared to its predecessor, the ZV-1, enabling vloggers to create more captivating content with attractive photogenic image quality. Equipped with a 1.0-type Exmor RS™ image sensor, approximately 20.1 effective megapixels, a BIONZ X™ image processing engine, and a ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* 18-50mm F1.8-4 lens, the ZV-1 II provides sophisticated capabilities that cater to creators of various skill levels. The 18-50mm wide-angle lens allows for framing diverse scenes, from group selfies to narrow interiors or dynamic everyday recordings. The Multiple Face Recognition feature automatically adjusts focus to ensure all faces remain sharp and clear in selfie shots with two or three people. Despite its advanced capabilities, the ZV-1 II maintains a compact, travel-friendly design.

Yasufumi Machitani, Director of the Digital Imaging Division at Sony Electronics Asia Pacific, expressed excitement about the ZV-1 II, stating, “The ZV-1 II is an exciting chapter for content creators and will be the go-to camera for many, including vloggers, social media influencers, and short-form video creators. With the newest vlog camera in the ZV series, we have taken requests from various users and included features that matter most to vloggers. We are striving to take feedback from our community to continue to expand and elevate our ZV series, and the ZV-1 II does just that.”

The ZV-1 II offers a range of comprehensive features specifically tailored for vloggers and video content creators:

1. Ultra-wide angle and Zoom: The camera’s 18mm wide-angle view allows for capturing attractive images, particularly in selfies taken at arm’s length. The 18-50mm optical zoom and Clear Image Zoom feature enable smooth image enlargement, providing a variety of angles for video recording.
2. Bokeh Switch with 1.0-type sensor: The Bokeh Switch allows users to achieve beautiful bokeh effects by defocusing the background with a single touch.
3. Intelligent 3-capsule microphone: The built-in microphone automatically adjusts its direction based on recognized human faces or objects in Auto mode, ensuring clear audio. Manual mode offers the flexibility to choose between front, rear, or all-directional recording. The camera also features a 3.5mm microphone jack and easy cableless attachment to the Multi Interface Shoe for connecting external microphones.
4. Cinematic Vlog Setting function: This function simplifies capturing ambient images with a cinematic touch. Users can select a CinemaScope size (2.35:1) and a frame rate of 24 fps, mirroring the format used in cinema movies. Additionally, users can choose from five LOOKs and four MOODs to enhance their videos.
5. Creative Look and pro-level imaging features: The ZV-1 II offers 10 preset looks to cater to different creative preferences, delivering professional-grade imaging capabilities.
6. Face Priority AE and Soft Skin Effect: The camera’s Face Priority AE ensures optimal facial brightness regardless of lighting conditions, while the Soft Skin Effect smoothens skin and facial features during filming.
7. Fast Hybrid AF System: Equipped with the same Fast Hybrid AF system found in Sony’s α series cameras, the ZV-1 II maintains sharp focus, even in high-definition 4K recordings. Features such as AF Transition Speed and AF Subject Shift Sensitivity offer control over focus during video recording, and Real-time Eye AF ensures accurate focus on both human and animal subjects in stills and videos.
8. Product Showcase Setting: This feature facilitates smooth focus transitions from the user’s face to the item being highlighted, making it ideal for product review videos.
9. S&Q shoot mode: Users can select slow-motion or quick-motion effects, up to 5x slower or 60x faster, to add impact to everyday scenes. The shooting and recording frame rates can be easily adjusted on a single screen.
10. ISO sensitivity range: With ISO sensitivity spanning from 125 to 12800, the camera can capture sharp images with minimal noise, even in low-light environments.
11. Active Mode electronic image stabilization: This feature enables capturing stable content while walking or in motion, particularly useful for handheld shooting and Movie and Slow & Quick motion shooting.
12. Built-in ND filter: The ND filter reduces exposure by three stops, allowing for beautiful background bokeh even in bright situations.

The ZV-1 II is designed to be compact, lightweight, and highly portable. It can be easily carried in a pocket or small bag, and its vari-angle screen is suitable for selfies. The camera’s body grip provides comfortable handling, and the user-friendly key and control layout, along with the recording indicator on the front face of the body, facilitate easy operation. The ZV-1 II supports various filming styles and can be powered via a USB Type-C® connector. Additionally, it can be connected to a PC or smartphone for high-quality live streaming, serving as a webcam.

Sony has also prioritized sustainability in the development of the ZV-1 II. The camera body incorporates recycled materials, including SORPLASTM, to reduce environmental impact while maintaining functionality. The packaging features Sony’s recycled paper “Original Blend Material,” which is plastic-free and easily recyclable.

The ZV-1 II includes accessibility features that enhance its operability for a wide range of users. These features include screen reader functionality for people with visual impairments, which reads aloud text on the menu screens. The camera also offers various focus-assist functions, such as Real-time Eye AF, Focus Magnification, Peaking Display, Touch Focus, Touch Tracking, and Touch Shutter. The ZV-1 II’s accessibility features aim to make shooting and playback enjoyable for all users.

The ZV-1 II will be available in Singapore from mid-June 2023, with pre-orders starting from May 26 to June 12, 2023, at a price of S$1,199 (including GST). Pre-orders will include free gifts worth S$210.